Statement of Purpose in Food Science: correct me plz

Dear forum

I'm new here, finding this forum while searching for some paraphrases that are used in my Statement of Purpose (SoP), while applying for a PhD in Food Science.

Then, I am lucky to find this forum, and I post my SoP here with the hope that someone, probably with a same interest, may read with me and point out some flaws in my writing. I am not a native speaker so feel free to correct me.

Thanks alot for your time.

===============================================================================

Objective:

Having had opportunity to do research in both academic and industrial institutions, I have acquired the ability to demonstrate strong professionalism, competence, and interest in flavour chemistry, food structure and sensory analysis. Being prepared for further development, I wish to do a thesis in Food Science at the School of ….

Scientific background:

After graduation from “XYZ University of Technology”, Country X in Food Technology, I pursued the master in Food Science at XYZ, Country Y. Despite the fact that there were some main subjects I had not the opportunity to learn in Country X such as molecular biology and neurology, my performance on the theoretical examination was very satisfactory. Especially, through my diploma work entitled “Influence of texture on the release of taste compounds while chewing cheese products” [1, 2], I have acquired a good knowledge and technical skills on the release of sodium and saltiness perception during food consumption. This work did lead me into the flavour research, a fascinating area which incorporates different aspects, from food ingredients and structure to their interaction with consumers and finally to understand food choice and acceptance.

With a perspective to strengthen my scientific competences, I challenged myself afterward in an industrial research environment, Research Centre ABC where I have been working on an interdisciplinary applied project entitled “Multi-modal mechanisms of fat perception” as a research assistant. The project aims at understanding the principles and rules governing fat perception and covers studies on psychology, physiology and perceptual aspects. I involved into three out of six research themes of the project, including:

(1)    Assessing the textural attributes affected by….. [3]

(2)    Investigating whether there is a ….. [4, 5]

(3)    Characterizing the release of ……..

From March 2006 to present, I have been focusing on the third theme, in which I have responsibility to do literature research, propose scientific questions, design and run experiments , and finally to delivery results. I have chance not only to reinforce my skills in sensory analysis, but also to take up the most powerful technique to analyze online aroma release, ABCDE (Project name). Besides, studying on different food models, from simple emulsion, isamulsion (a self-assembly structure), double emulsion to applied products, such as MNPQ sauce and mayonnaise, did give me a good understanding on food structure. In this activity, I have obtained very impressing results on isamulsion that may open some applications in food service and culinary. These findings are going to be patented in May 2007 and a scientific article is also under preparation [7].

Furthermore, I attended many scientific seminars, mini-symposiums frequently organized at Research Centre ABC, training courses (Course A, B, C), and particularly Workshop XYZ 2005 . That really helped me to get a larger view on research of Food Science. Finally, the most precious experiences I have actually gained through my time at Research Centre ABC are communication skills, the ability to manage research activity, a practical and critical mind in doing research.

Target project:

I am highly interested in the project entitled “ABCDEFGHIK” proposed by Dr. SomeOne, aiming to develop and demonstrate advanced technologies that allow up to XYZ% salt reduction in processed foods. With good skills in languages including English and French, strong background that meets the needs of project framework, I am confident to be a strong candidate for the position. Together with this personal statement, I enclosed a detailed proposal for this project.

References:

[1] Reference 1 (my paper/report)

[2] Reference 2 (my paper/report)

[3] Reference 3 (my paper/report)

[4] Reference 4 (my paper/report)

[5] Reference 5 (my paper/report)

Reference 6 (my paper/report)

[7] Reference 7 (my paper/report)

Reference 8 (my paper/report)

===============================================================================